Hemophilia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Hemophilia is a disorder that causes you to bleed more or longer than normal. Clotting factors such as platelets and fibrinogen help your body form clots to stop bleeding. The clotting factors in your blood may not work correctly, or your body may not make enough.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have a seizure.
• You are bleeding from an injury to your throat, neck, or eyes.
• You have chest pain or shortness of breath.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You are vomiting blood.
• You cannot control your bleeding episodes, even after treatment.
• You bump or injure your head.
• You have new large bruises on your body, or sudden swelling.
• You have new pain in the lower part of your stomach, groin, or lower back.
• Your urine is pink or red.
• You see blood in your bowel movement, or it is black.

Call your doctor or hematologist if:

• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You feel very tired and weak.
• You get an injury, such as a sprained ankle or an open skin wound.
• You have a fever.
• You have a new or unusual headache.
• You have joint pain that lasts longer than 3 days.
• You have new pain and swelling in a body area.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Replacement therapy

is used to give blood cells called factor concentrates to replace the missing clotting factor. For severe hemophilia, this treatment may be scheduled 2 or more times each week. You may also need this treatment if you have sudden bleeding. Blood cells may be given through an IV, central venous catheter, or port.

Manage hemophilia:

• Be physically active, as directed. Physical activity helps keep your muscles flexible and prevents muscle and joint damage. Always check with your healthcare provider before you start any exercise program. Physical or occupational therapists may need to help you exercise safely or teach you skills to help with your daily activities. Do not play contact sports, such as football and basketball. Contact sports increase your risk for bruising and bleeding.
• Keep your teeth and gums healthy. Ask your provider if certain therapy or medicines should be given before you have your teeth cleaned. The amount of your clotting factor may also need to be increased before you have dental work. Talk with your provider before you have any dental work.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Ask your provider if you should get vaccines against hepatitis A or B, or other infections. Your provider will tell you when to get any needed vaccine.
• Ask about pain medicines you can take safely. Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs. These medicines increase your risk for bleeding.
• Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have hemophilia. Ask your provider where to get these items.

Manage bleeding episodes:

Call your healthcare provider right away if you are bleeding. You may need extra treatments with blood products.

• Use pressure to help stop or slow skin bleeding. Place a clean cloth or towel over the area. Then apply pressure with your hands. Ask your provider how to clean open skin wounds.
• Manage nosebleeds. Breathe through your mouth and lean forward to stop blood from going down the back of your throat.
• Check for blood in your urine. If you have pain in your pelvic area or blood in your urine, rest in bed for 2 days. Drink more liquids, as directed. Ask your provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Keep frozen popsicles in your home. If you are bleeding from your mouth, place a popsicle in your mouth to help stop the bleeding. Do not swallow the blood.
• Manage joint bleeding. Apply ice to a painful or swollen joint. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your joint. If the joint is on your arm or leg, prop it on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably. Wait until the pain is gone before you use the joint again. See your provider if the pain is not gone in 3 days.

Follow up with your doctor or hematologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support and more information:

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
  Health Information Center
  P.O. Box 30105
  Bethesda , MD 20824-0105
  Phone: 1- 301 - 592-8573
  Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm
  

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